China's top 10 technological breakthroughs of the last century

China has been a powerhouse of innovation and technological development throughout the 20th and 21st century, becoming a global power in a number of fields. These breakthroughs have not only transformed the country's technological landscape, but have also had a global impact. Below, we explore China's 10 most important technological breakthroughs of the last century.

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1. The Development of Quantum Computing

China has made significant advances in the field of quantum computing, standing out as a world leader in this emerging technology. In 2020, Chinese scientists developed the ‘Jiuzhang’ quantum processor, which outperformed traditional computers in solving complex problems, achieving ‘quantum supremacy’.

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This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionise a range of industries, from cryptography to artificial intelligence. Quantum computing promises to perform calculations that would be for scientific research and technological development. The Chinese government's investment and commitment in this area ensures that they will continue to lead the field of quantum computing for years to come.

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2. High Speed Rail

China is known for its high-speed rail network, which is the most extensive and advanced in the world. Launched in the early 2000s, this network has revolutionised transport in the country, allowing passengers to travel at speeds of up to 350 km/h.

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China's high-speed rail network has drastically reduced travel times between major cities, boosting tourism and facilitating trade. In addition, this environmentally friendly transport system has helped reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

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3. 5G technology

China has been a leader in the development and deployment of 5G technology. Companies such as Huawei and ZTE have been at the forefront of this innovation, providing essential infrastructure for high-speed connectivity.

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5G technology promises to transform entire industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, thanks to its ability to support the Internet of Things (IoT) and other advanced services. China has established a robust and expansive 5G network, positioning itself as a global leader in this technology.

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4. Solar Energy

China has made significant investments in solar energy, becoming the world's largest producer and consumer of solar energy. The creation of massive solar parks, such as the Tengger Desert Solar Park, has underlined China's commitment to renewable energy.

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These initiatives have enabled China to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, improve air quality and meet its emission reduction targets. China's expansion of solar energy has also driven innovation in solar technology globally.

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5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

China has emerged as a global leader in artificial intelligence, with a focus on practical applications ranging from facial recognition to industrial automation. Chinese companies such as Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent are investing heavily in AI, developing advanced technologies and innovative solutions.

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The use of AI in China is transforming sectors such as healthcare, education and transportation, improving efficiency and offering new services to the population. Continued investment and development in this field ensures that China maintains its leading position in AI technology.

6. E-commerce

E-commerce has flourished in China, driven, among others, by giants such as Alibaba and JD.com. These market leaders have revolutionised the way Chinese consumers shop for goods, offering user-friendly platforms and ultra-fast delivery services.

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China's e-commerce success is due to its advanced logistics infrastructure and mass adoption of mobile payments. This dynamic ecosystem has created unprecedented opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, both inside and outside China.

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?7. Space programmes

China has made impressive progress in its space programme, highlighted by missions such as Chang'e, which has taken rovers to the Moon, and Tianwen, which has sent a probe to Mars. These achievements have placed China among the world's leading space powers.

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China's space programme not only demonstrates its technological capability, but also inspires new generations of scientists and engineers. China's space exploration is contributing significantly to the global understanding of space.

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8. Mass transport network

China has invested in a mass transport infrastructure that is enviable. The extensive metro networks in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai are models of efficiency and modernity. These networks have significantly improved urban mobility and reduced traffic congestion.

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Investment in mass transit not only makes daily life easier for millions of people, but also reduces carbon emissions and improves air quality in Chinese cities.

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9. Blockchain technology

China has been at the forefront of developing and implementing blockchain technology. With government support, numerous Chinese companies have developed blockchain solutions for applications ranging from supply chain management to financial services.

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The advancement of blockchain in China is driving transparency and efficiency in various industries, and positions the country as a leader in this emerging technology. Innovations in blockchain are also opening up new opportunities for global trade and investment.

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10. Facial recognition technology

China is a world leader in facial recognition technology, with applications ranging from public security to personalised customer service. This technology has been integrated into surveillance, mobile payment and access control systems, improving security and efficiency.

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The development of this technology in China has raised both admiration and concern, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and privacy. Despite the controversies, facial recognition remains one of the most advanced areas of Chinese technology.

Producing in China beyond technology

Beyond these technological advances, producing in China offers numerous advantages. The manufacturing infrastructure in China is second to none, with well-established supply chains and massive production capacity. This allows companies to benefit from economies of scale and reduce production costs.

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In addition, China offers a skilled and competitive labour force, coupled with favourable government policies that support foreign investment. The combination of these factors makes China an attractive destination for production and sourcing.